Monday, September 10, 2018

Ambassadors for Christ


2 Corinthians 5:20 “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

One of the greatest titles that a Christian possesses is that Christ has made each of us His ambassadors here on Earth. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “ambassador” as: A minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, at the court of another, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign. Ambassadors are ordinary, when they reside permanently at a foreign court; or extraordinary, when they are sent on a special occasion. They are also called ministers.An article on this “ambassador” verse identified our prince is Jesus Christ (the Prince of Peace, our state is the Kingdom of Heaven and our ministry to this world within our sphere of influence, this side of eternity. Jesus is no longer here in the flesh, and so now He expects us to faithfully and effectively represent Him. As His ambassadors or representatives, He has given us two basic tasks to perform.

Jesus said in Acts 26:15-18to be a minister and a witness to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me”. The article presented two duties of the ambassador of Christ. First of all, we are to spread the good news of salvation in such a way that unbelievers will be drawn to the light and out of their darkness. To do this, an ambassador must live a life of conformity to Christ’s life and teachings. “As he which has called you is holy, so be holy in all manner of conversation”, adequately representing Him.

Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, 
even to the end of the age.” Amen.

 

Secondly, we are to saturate ourselves totally with the knowledge of His Will, His Word, and His Way so that we will be enabled to encourage other Christians, strengthening them for their duties as ambassadors as well, because “saved people save people”. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”, applying our attention to Christ’s directives. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 explains to us: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The article concludes that it has rightly been said that the only two things that will last for eternity are people and the Word of God. These things must occupy our attention if we are to be effective “ambassadors for Christ” and advance the kingdom of Heaven. 

Blessings in Christ

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